S2 E4: Something About Refusing to Play

Melissa is joined by Emily again for a Beatles history story. In honor of Black History Month, the two discuss the time the Beatles refused to play to a segregated audience and had a venue change their policy for the show. 

The Beatles came into their fame during the 1960’s, a notable and turbulent time in the civil rights era. Things were changing, and change often brings conflict. One such conflict happened on the Beatles’ 1964 North American tour. The band was scheduled to play at the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Fl. After learning of the venue’s segregation policy, the four young men put out a statement assuring that they would not play to a segregated audience. 

In addition to the controversy caused by their statement, the band was also dealing with a hectic tour schedule, death threats, and even a hurricane. You could say they were having a tough week. Realizing  the band was holding to their word, a few hours before the show the venue caved and allowed an integrated audience into the show. Even with high winds from the hurricane that just passed, the show must go on. The band played their set to an excited, integrated audience. 

After this incident, the band made sure to add a clause in their contract assuring that they would not play to any segregated audience. The Civil Rights Movement was full of countless moments-  some small, some big- that helped change history. With this act, the Beatles added their moment and influenced the hearts and minds of their young fans.

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Sources:

https://ultimateclassicrock.com/beatles-jacksonville-1964/

https://www.beatlesbible.com/1964/09/08/live-forum-montreal-canada/

https://www.beatlesbible.com/1964/09/11/live-gator-bowl-jacksonville/

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/30477/all-together-now-civil-rights-and-beatles-first-american-tour

https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/civil-rights-act

https://www.britannica.com/summary/Jim-Crow-Laws-Timeline

https://www.beatlesstory.com/blog/2018/02/01/dr-kitty-oliver-the-beatles-race-and-segregation/









Producers: Gary Jacob, Melissa Brumm

Editor: Emily Clopton

Theme Music: King Mixer



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Melissa Brumm